3 Notable Reminders for Executive Phone Interviews – 11/1/2013

With Your Future Career at Stake, Candidates Must Be Ready For Any Interview Format.

Executive positions in healthcare are highly coveted and extremely competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, healthcare executives have a median pay of $84,270. Due to livable wages and rapid industry
growth, it isn’t hard to see why healthcare executive jobs are in heavy demand. Therefore, when candidates
interview for these positions, the stakes are high. To make matters even more difficult, the interview format for these positions has changed.

Technological advances and time crunches have drastically revised the interview process. For example, phone interviews have become the first step in vetting promising applicants. Healthcare executives that have recent experience have probably conducted these types of interviews themselves and should feel confident on the phone. However, it’s important to also keep in mind that answering questions can be much more difficult than simply posing them.

During an executive job search, applicants with executive experience must navigate phone interviews with care. If a potential employer is intrigued enough, they’re likely to offer an in-person interview. Considering the true goal of any phone interview is to receive an in-person interview afterwards, it’s important to keep them intrigued until they are utterly impressed. Here are a few tips that may turn that interest into an enthusiastic offer.

1. Self Promote

During the course of a healthcare executive career, a candidate should have amassed a solid portfolio filled with great accomplishments. That momentum is important in a field experiencing such exponential growth.

To take advantage of this properly, it’s important to find the balance between speaking of past achievements with confidence, but not appearing too arrogant. Because healthcare executives are often accustomed to visibility and high community standing, there is a fine balance between confidence and cockiness. Phone interviews further blur these lines because physical expressions cannot convey humility. The self-assurance gained from years of executive experience may come across the wrong way, so it’s important to stay humble, yet poised.

2. Draw From Experience

When interviewers ask questions based on hypothetical scenarios, healthcare executives have a distinct advantage. Questions like these are important, as damage control and practical solutions comprise a large part of healthcare executive experience, and, unfortunately, few professionals are adept at thinking on their feet.

Consequently, efficiency and capability are hallmark attributes of an effective healthcare executive. However, it is important not to demonstrate this skill as quickly as possible, allowing the interviewer to complete the question and appending thoughts as this shows active listening and peer consideration.

3. Engage The Interviewer

Adding characterization keeps the interview moving along without boring either party. To an extent, interviewers are looking for a bit of personality and monotone conversations will not bode well for the candidate. As a good starting place, ask the interviewer pertinent questions about the position. Not only does an inquisitive candidate impress potential employers, the professional attention and curiosity shows a vested interest in the position.